How Caffeine Affects Alpha-Amylase: An In Vivo Study

Background: Caffeine is a widely consumed psychostimulant with various effects, including weight and metabolic parameters. Caffeine consumption has been associated with increased blood glucose levels and reduced insulin sensitivity. Since xanthine derivatives like caffeine can activate alpha-amylase, an enzyme essential for carbohydrate-to-glucose conversion, this study investigates whether this translates to increased amylase activity in living organisms and explores potential gene expression changes. Methods: Male NMRI mice were divided to 5 groups with 6 mice per group (total of 30 mice): Control (C), sham (sh) and three treated groups T30, T50 and T60 (receiving 30, 50, or 60 mg caffeine, respectively, by gavage, once a day for two weeks. Body weight was measured at the end of the experiment, after which blood sugar, alpha-amylase levels and gene expression as well as cholesterol levels were measured. Results: Body weights of mice which had received the highest dose of caffeine (60 mg/mL) for three weeks had significantly decreased weight compared with the other groups. However, blood sugar, serum alpha-amylase and cholesterol levels showed no significant differences between various groups. Levels of hepatic alpha amylase gene expression were significantly higher in the T30 group. Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings suggest that caffeine’s effect on hepatic alpha-amylase, an enzyme potentially important in metabolism, could hold significance for understanding and treating metabolic diseases.